Mosquito sample from Medford tests positive for West Nile Virus

MEDFORD, Mass. — It’s mosquito season again.

For the first time this year, West Nile virus has been detected in mosquitoes in Middlesex County, state health officials said in a statement Thursday.

The mosquito sample was collected June 29 in Medford.

No human or animal cases of WNV or Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) have been detected so far this year.

Health officials said there is no elevated risk level or risk-level change associated with this finding.

WNV is usually transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. There were 8 human cases of WNV in 2020. In 2018, there were 49 human cases of WNV infection acquired in Massachusetts - the greatest number of cases the Commonwealth has ever had in a single year.

While WNV can infect people of all ages, people over the age of 50 are at higher risk for severe disease. Most people infected with WNV will have no symptoms. When present, WNV symptoms may include fever and flu-like illness.

To avoid mosquito bites, residents are advised to use insect repellent when outdoors, be aware of peak mosquito hours, wear appropriate clothing to reduce bites, drain standing water from around your home, and install or repair screens on all windows and doors.

For more information, visit this state website.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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